Viktoria’s Story

March 14, 2018

Viktoria got in touch with CLAPA to share her experiences of being born with a cleft, and how that has influenced the person she is today.

My name is Viktoria, and I was born with a cleft lip and palate.

I am from Russia (St Petersburg) originally but I came to the UK when I was a baby, where I was adopted by my two parents.

I was bullied at primary school and the other students would tease me about my cleft, or ask lots of questions. As I got older, I learned not to take it personally and overcame other people’s reactions. I started to see it as curiosity as I became more comfortable in my own skin.

I am a dancer and teacher and have a full time job. I love what I do and who I am.

I’d love to support and share with others with a similar experience!

Thanks so much to Viktoria for sharing her story with CLAPA. If you’d like to share your experiences, or find out more about how to do so, you can find out more here.